Calls for tougher terror laws rejected

Mr Ruddock made the call after two Sydney men believed to be connected to a suspected French terrorist found hiding in Australia had their passports cancelled as part of a hunt for a local terrorist cell.

Democrats Leader Andrew Bartlett said it was yet to be seen whether recent increases in ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) powers had gone too far.

"The Democrats still have concerns about that and I think to talk about further strengthening of those laws is far too early," Senator Bartlett told reporters.

Greens leader Bob Brown accused Mr Ruddock of attempting to spread the detention regime for asylum seekers he presided over as immigration minister.

"He's incredible, isn't he. Philip Ruddock sits there with a deadpan look, about to kill more Australian liberties for no good reason," Senator Brown said.

The new ASIO laws were not used in the investigation which resulted in the deportation of Frenchman Willie Virgile Brigitte.

"Use the laws you've got Mr Ruddock, before you saddle Australians with a further loss, an erosion of our civil liberties.

"When you hear him, new in the saddle, seeing his opportunity here to spread the imprisonment of people without due cause except his own feeling that they should be in jail, you have to be very, very worried."